The 37-year-old Epstein would leave the Red Sox with a year remaining on his contract as general manager and take over what is expected to be an expanded role with the Cubs, who have gone 103 years without a World Series championship.

Radio station WEEI in Boston, ESPN the Magazine and SI.com all cited unidentified sources in reporting that Epstein has agreed to a deal. Details, which could include compensation to the Red Sox, were still being worked out.

The Cubs declined comment Wednesday and Red Sox officials could not be reached by The Associated Press. On Tuesday, a person familiar with the situation told the AP that Epstein was likely to join the Cubs within 48 hours.